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Student Resources
Original Student Tutorials
Learn how to factor polynomials by finding their greatest common factor in this interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn about different formats of quadratic equations and their graphs with experiments involving launching and shooting of balls in this interactive tutorial.
This is part 2 of a two-part series: Click HERE to open part 1.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Join us as we watch ball games and explore how the height of a ball bounce over time is represented by quadratic functions, which provides opportunities to interpret key features of the function in this interactive tutorial.
This is part 1 of a two-part series: Click HERE to open part 2.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn how to use multistep factoring to factor quadratics in this interactive tutorial.
This is part 5 in a five-part series. Click below to open the other tutorials in this series.
- Part 1: The Diamond Game: Factoring Quadratics when a = 1
- Part 2: Factoring Polynomials Using Special Cases
- Part 3: Factoring Quadratics When the Coefficient a Does Not Equal 1: The Box Method
- Part 4: Factoring Polynomials when a Does Not Equal 1: Snowflake Method
- Part 5: Multistep Factoring: Quadratics (current tutorial)
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn to factor quadratic trinomials when the coefficient a does not equal 1 by using the Snowflake Method in this interactive tutorial.
This is part 4 in a five-part series. Click below to open the other tutorials in this series.
- Part 1: The Diamond Game: Factoring Quadratics when a = 1
- Part 2: Factoring Polynomials Using Special Cases
- Part 3: Factoring Quadratics When the Coefficient a Does Not Equal 1: The Box Method
- Part 4: Factoring Polynomials when a Does Not Equal 1: Snowflake Method (Current Tutorial)
- Part 5: Multistep Factoring: Quadratics
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn how to create systems of linear equations to represent contextual situations in this interactive tutorial.
This part 6 in a 7-part series. Click below to explore the other tutorials in the series.
- Part 1: Solving Systems of Linear Equations: Using Graphs
- Part 2: Solving Systems of Linear Equations: Substitution
- Part 3: Solving Systems of Linear Equations: Basic Elimination
- Part 4: Solving Systems of Linear Equations: Advanced Elimination
- Part 5: Solving Systems of Linear Equations: Connecting Algebraic Methods to Graphing
- Part 7: Solving Systems of Linear Equations: Word Problems (Coming soon)
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn how to factor quadratic polynomials when the leading coefficient (a) is not 1 by using the box method in this interactive tutorial.
This is part 3 in a five-part series. Click below to open the other tutorials in this series.
- Part 1: The Diamond Game: Factoring Quadratics when a = 1
- Part 2: Factoring Polynomials Using Special Cases
- Part 3: Factoring Quadratics When the Coefficient a Does Not Equal 1: The Box Method (Current Tutorial)
- Part 4: Factoring Polynomials when a Does Not Equal 1: Snowflake Method
- Part 5: Multistep Factoring: Quadratics
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn how to factor quadratics when the coefficient a = 1 using the diamond method in this game show-themed, interactive tutorial.
This is part 1 in a five-part series. Click below to open the other tutorials in this series.
- Part 1: The Diamond Game: Factoring Quadratics when a = 1 (Current Tutorial)
- Part 2: Factoring Polynomials Using Special Cases
- Part 3: Factoring Quadratics When the Coefficient a Does Not Equal 1: The Box Method
- Part 4: Factoring Polynomials when a Does Not Equal 1: Snowflake Method
- Part 5: Multistep Factoring: Quadratics
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn the process of completing the square of a quadratic function to find the maximum or minimum to discover how high a dolphin jumped in this interactive tutorial.
This is part 2 of a 2 part series. Click HERE to open part 1.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn the process of completing the square of a quadratic function to find the maximum or minimum to discover how high a dolphin jumped in this interactive tutorial.
This is part 1 of a 2 part series. Click HERE to open Part 2.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn to identify and interpret parts of linear expressions in terms of mathematical or real-world contexts in this original tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn about exponential decay as you calculate the value of used cars by examining equations, graphs, and tables in this interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn how to interpret key features of linear functions and translate between representations of linear functions through exploring jobs for teenagers in this interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn about exponential growth in the context of interest earned as money is put in a savings account by examining equations, graphs, and tables in this interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn about exponential functions and how they are different from linear functions by examining real world situations, their graphs and their tables in this interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn how to solve rational functions by getting common denominators in this interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Visualize the effect of using a value of k in both kf(x) or f(kx) when k is greater than zero in this interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn how to solve rational linear and quadratic equations using cross multiplication in this interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn how to solve and graph compound inequalities and determine if solutions are viable in part 2 of this interactive tutorial series.
Click HERE to open Part 1.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn how to write equations in two variables in this interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn how to solve and graph one variable inequalities, including compound inequalities, in part 1 of this interactive tutorial series.
Click HERE to open Part 2.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn how reflections of a function are created and tied to the value of k in the mapping of f(x) to -1f(x) in this interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Explore translations of functions on a graph that are caused by k in this interactive tutorial. GeoGebra and interactive practice items are used to investigate linear, quadratic, and exponential functions and their graphs, and the effect of a translation on a table of values.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn how to add and subtract polynomials in this online tutorial. You will learn how to combine like terms and then use the distribute property to subtract polynomials.
This is part 2 of a two-part lesson. Click below to open part 1.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn how to identify monomials and polynomials and determine their degree in this interactive tutorial.
This is part 1 in a two-part series. Click here to open Part 2.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn to rewrite products involving radicals and rational exponents using properties of exponents in this interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn how to calculate and interpret an average rate of change over a specific interval on a graph in this interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Follow as we discover key features of a quadratic equation written in vertex form in this interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Write linear inequalities for different money situations in this interactive tutorial.
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Learn how to factor quadratic polynomials that follow special cases, difference of squares and perfect square trinomials, in this interactive tutorial.
This is part 2 in a five-part series. Click below to open the other tutorials in this series.
- Part 1: The Diamond Game: Factoring Quadratics when a = 1
- Part 2: Factoring Polynomials Using Special Cases (Current Tutorial)
- Part 3: Factoring Quadratics When the Coefficient a Does Not Equal 1: The Box Method
- Part 4: Factoring Polynomials when a Does Not Equal 1: Snowflake Method
- Part 5: Multistep Factoring: Quadratics
Type: Original Student Tutorial
Educational Games
In this timed activity, students solve linear equations (one- and two-step) or quadratic equations of varying difficulty depending on the initial conditions they select. This activity allows students to practice solving equations while the activity records their score, so they can track their progress. This activity includes supplemental materials, including background information about the topics covered, a description of how to use the application, and exploration questions for use with the java applet.
Type: Educational Game
In this activity, two students play a simulated game of Connect Four, but in order to place a piece on the board, they must correctly solve an algebraic equation. This activity allows students to practice solving equations of varying difficulty: one-step, two-step, or quadratic equations and using the distributive property if desired. This activity includes supplemental materials, including background information about the topics covered, a description of how to use the application, and exploration questions for use with the Java applet.
Type: Educational Game
Perspectives Video: Experts
<p>Jump to it and learn more about how quadratic equations are used in robot navigation problem solving!</p>
Type: Perspectives Video: Expert
The tide is high! How can we statistically prove there is a relationship between the tides on the Gulf Coast and in a fresh water spring 20 miles from each other?
Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.
Type: Perspectives Video: Expert
Perspectives Video: Professional/Enthusiasts
Listen in as a computing enthusiast describes how hexadecimal notation is used to express big numbers in just a little space.
Download the CPALMS Perspectives video student note taking guide.
Type: Perspectives Video: Professional/Enthusiast
<p>Get in gear with robotics as this engineer explains how quadratic equations are used in programming robotic navigation.</p>
Type: Perspectives Video: Professional/Enthusiast
Problem-Solving Tasks
Students explore the structure of the operation s/(vn). This question provides students with an opportunity to see expressions as constructed out of a sequence of operations: first taking the square root of n, then dividing the result of that operation into s.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This task asks students to make deductions about a line after it has been dilated by a factor of 2.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
In this task, students use trigonometric functions to model the movement of a point around a wheel and, through space. Students also interpret features of graphs in terms of the given real-world context.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
Although this task is fairly straightforward, it is worth noticing that it does not explicitly tell students to look for intersection points when they graph the circle and the line. Thus, in addition to assessing whether they can solve the system of equations, it is assessing a simple but important piece of conceptual understanding, namely the correspondence between intersection points of the two graphs and solutions of the system.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
In this task students use verbal descriptions to construct and compare linear and exponential functions and to find where the two functions intersect (F-LE.2, F-LE.3, A-REI.11).
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This task provides an exploration of a quadratic equation by descriptive, numerical, graphical, and algebraic techniques. Based on its real-world applicability, teachers could use the task as a way to introduce and motivate algebraic techniques like completing the square, en route to a derivation of the quadratic formula.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This task asks students to consider the linear and quadratic functions shown on a graph, and use quadratic functions to find the coordinates.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
The given solutions for this task involve the creation and solving of a system of two equations and two unknowns, with the caveat that the context of the problem implies that we are interested only in non-negative integer solutions. Indeed, in the first solution, we must also restrict our attention to the case that one of the variables is further even. This aspect of the task is illustrative of the mathematical practice of modeling with mathematics, and crucial as the system has an integer solution for both situations, that is, whether we include the dollar on the floor in the cash box or not.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
Solving this problem with algebra requires factoring a particular cubic equation (the difference of two cubes) as well as a quadratic equation. An alternative solution using prime numbers and arithmetic is presented.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This classroom task is meant to elicit a variety of different methods of solving a quadratic equation (A-REI.4). Some are straightforward (for example, expanding the square on the right and rearranging the equation so that we can use the quadratic formula); some are simple but clever (reasoning from the fact that x and (2x - 9) have the same square); some use tools (using a graphing calculator to graph the functions f(x) = x^2 and g(x) = (2x-90)^2 and looking for values of x at which the two functions intersect). Some solution methods will work on an arbitrary quadratic equation, while others (such as the last three) may have difficulty or fail if the quadratic equation is not given in a particular form, or if the solutions are not rational numbers.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
The purpose of this task it to have students discover how (and how quickly) an exponentially increasing quantity eventually surpasses a linearly increasing quantity. Students' intuitions will probably have them favoring Option A for much longer than is actually the case, especially if they are new to the phenomenon of exponential growth. Teachers might use this surprise as leverage to segue into a more involved task comparing linear and exponential growth.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This problem-solving task challenges students to find all quadratic functions described by given equation and coordinates, and describe how the graphs of those functions are related to one another.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This problem solving task shows that an exponential function takes larger values than a cubic polynomial function provided the input is sufficiently large. This resource also includes standards alignment commentary and annotated solutions.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This task asks students to calculate exponential functions with a base larger than one.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This task is meant to be a straight-forward assessment task of graph reading and interpreting skills. This task helps reinforce the idea that when a variable represents time, t = 0 is chosen as an arbitrary point in time and positive times are interpreted as times that happen after that.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This task could be used for assessment or for practice. It allows students to compare characteristics of two quadratic functions that are each represented differently, one as the graph of a quadratic function and one written out algebraically. Specifically, students are asked to determine which function has the greatest maximum and the greatest non-negative root.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This task asks students to find the average, write an equation, find the domain, and create a graph of the cost of producing DVDs.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
The problem presents a context where a quadratic function arises. Careful analysis, including graphing of the function, is closely related to the context. The student will gain valuable experience applying the quadratic formula and the exercise also gives a possible implementation of completing the square.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This task asks students to consider functions in regard to temperatures in a high school gym.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
In this task students are given graphs of quantities related to weather. The purpose of the task is to show that graphs are more than a collection of coordinate points; they can tell a story about the variables that are involved, and together they can paint a very complete picture of a situation, in this case the weather. Features in one graph, like maximum and minimum points, correspond to features in another graph. For example, on a rainy day, the solar radiation is very low, and the cumulative rainfall graph is increasing with a large slope.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This deceptively simple task asks students to find the domain and range of a function from a given context. The function is linear and if simply looked at from a formulaic point of view, students might find the formula for the line and say that the domain and range are all real numbers.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This problem introduces a logistic growth model in the concrete settings of estimating the population of the U.S. The model gives a surprisingly accurate estimate and this should be contrasted with linear and exponential models.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This task is for instructional purposes only and students should already be familiar with some specific examples of logistic growth functions. The goal of this task is to have students appreciate how different constants influence the shape of a graph.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This task can be used as a quick assessment to see if students can make sense of a graph in the context of a real world situation. Students also have to pay attention to the scale on the vertical axis to find the correct match. The first and third graphs look very similar at first glance, but the function values are very different since the scales on the vertical axes are very different. The task could also be used to generate a group discussion on interpreting functions given by graphs.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
In this task, students will use inverse operations to solve the equations for the unknown variable or for the designated variable if there is more than one.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This task presents a simple but mathematically interesting game whose solution is a challenging exercise in creating and reasoning with algebraic inequalities. The core of the task involves converting a verbal statement into a mathematical inequality in a context in which the inequality is not obviously presented, and then repeatedly using the inequality to deduce information about the structure of the game.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This task examines the ways in which the plane can be covered by regular polygons in a very strict arrangement called a regular tessellation. These tessellations are studied here using algebra, which enters the picture via the formula for the measure of the interior angles of a regular polygon (which should therefore be introduced or reviewed before beginning the task). The goal of the task is to use algebra in order to understand which tessellations of the plane with regular polygons are possible.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This task aims for students to understand the quadratic formula in a geometric way in terms of the graph of a quadratic function.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This task is intended for instruction and to motivate "Building a general quadratic function." This task assumes that the students are familiar with the process of completing the square.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
In this example, students use properties of rational exponents and other algebraic concepts to compare and verify the relative size of two real numbers that involve decimal exponents.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This is a challenging task, suitable for extended work, and reaching into a deep understanding of units. Students are given a scenario and asked to determine the number of people required to complete the amount of work in the time described. The task requires students to exhibit , Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them. An algebraic solution is possible but complicated; a numerical solution is both simpler and more sophisticated, requiring skilled use of units and quantitative reasoning. Thus the task aligns with either MAFS.912.A-CED.1.1 or MAFS.912.N-Q.1.1, depending on the approach.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This task is intended for instructional purposes so that students can become familiar and confident with using a calculator and understanding what it can and cannot do. This task gives an opportunity to work on the notion of place value (in parts [b] and [c]) and also to understand part of an argument for why the square root of 2 is not a rational number.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
Students manipulate a given equation to find specified information.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
Students solve problems tracking the balance of a checking account used only to pay rent. This simple conceptual task focuses on what it means for a number to be a solution to an equation, rather than on the process of solving equations.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
Students extrapolate the list price of a car given a total amount paid in states with different tax rates. The emphasis in this task is not on complex solution procedures. Rather, the progression of equations, from two that involve different values of the sales tax, to one that involves the sales tax as a parameter, is designed to foster the habit of looking for regularity in solution procedures, so that students don't approach every equation as a new problem but learn to notice familiar types.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
In this resource, students refer to given information which defines 5 variables in the context of real world government expenses. They are then asked to write equations based upon specific known values for some of the variables. The emphasis is on setting up, rather than solving, the equations.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
In this resource, a method of deriving the quadratic formula from a theoretical standpoint is demonstrated. This task is for instructional purposes only and builds on "Building an explicit quadratic function."
Type: Problem-Solving Task
Students explore and manipulate expressions based on the following statement:
A function f defined for -a < x="">< a="" is="" even="" if="" f(-x)="f(x)" and="" is="" odd="" if="" f(-x)="-f(x)" when="" -a="">< x="">< a.="" in="" this="" task="" we="" assume="" f="" is="" defined="" on="" such="" an="" interval,="" which="" might="" be="" the="" full="" real="" line="" (i.e.,="" a="">
Type: Problem-Solving Task
Students compare graphs of different quadratic functions, then produce equations of their own to satisfy given conditions.
This exploration can be done in class near the beginning of a unit on graphing parabolas. Students need to be familiar with intercepts, and need to know what the vertex is. It is effective after students have graphed parabolas in vertex form (y=a(x–h)2+k), but have not yet explored graphing other forms.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This is a standard problem phrased in a non-standard way. Rather than asking students to perform an operation, expanding, it expects them to choose the operation for themselves in response to a question about structure. Students must understand the need to transform the factored form of the quadratic expression (a product of sums) into a sum of products in order to easily see a, the coefficient of the x2 term; k, the leading coefficient of the x term; and n, the constant term.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
Students are asked to interpret the effect on the value of an expression given a change in value of one of the variables.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
Students examine and answer questions related to a scenario similar to a "mixture" problem involving two different mixtures of fertilizer. In this example, students determine and then compare expressions that correspond to concentrations of various mixtures. Ultimately, students generalize the problem and verify conclusions using algebraic rather than numerical expressions.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
Students are asked to interpret expressions and equations within the context of the amounts of caramels and truffles in a box of candy.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This problem asks students to consider algebraic expressions calculating the number of floor tiles in given patterns. The purpose of this task is to give students practice in reading, analyzing, and constructing algebraic expressions, attending to the relationship between the form of an expression and the context from which it arises. The context here is intentionally thin; the point is not to provide a practical application to kitchen floors, but to give a framework that imbues the expressions with an external meaning.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
The goal of this task is to develop an understanding of rational exponents (MAFS.912.N-RN.1.1); however, it also raises important issues about distinguishing between linear and exponential behavior (MAFS.912.F-LE.1.1c) and it requires students to create an equation to model a context (MAFS.912.A-CED.1.2).
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This resource describes a simple scenario which can be represented by the use of variables. Students are asked to examine several variable expressions, interpret their meaning, and describe what quantities they each represent in the given context.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
In this task students interpret the relative size of variable expressions involving two variables in the context of a real world situation. All given expressions can be interpreted as quantities that one might study when looking at two animal populations.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This resource involves simplifying algebraic expressions that involve complex numbers and various algebraic operations.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This task has students experiment with the operations of addition and multiplication, as they relate to the notions of rationality and irrationality.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
The purpose of this task is to identify the structure in the two algebraic expressions by interpreting them in terms of a geometric context. Students will have likely seen this type of process before, so the principal source of challenge in this task is to encourage a multitude and variety of approaches, both in terms of the geometric argument and in terms of the algebraic manipulation.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This task requires students to recognize the graphs of different (positive) powers of x.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This problem solving task examines, in a graphical setting, the impact of adding a scalar, multiplying by a scalar, and making a linear substitution of variables on the graph of the function f. This resource also includes standards alignment commentary and annotated solutions.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
The task addresses the first part of standard MAFS.912.F-BF.2.3: "Identify the effect on the graph of replacing f(x) by f(x) + k, kf(x), f(kx), and f(x + k) for specific values of k (both positive and negative)."
Type: Problem-Solving Task
In the middle grades, students have lots of experience analyzing and comparing linear functions using graphs, table, symbolic expressions, and verbal descriptions. In this task, students may choose a representation that suits them and then reason from within that representation.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
The primary purpose of this task is to lead students to a numerical and graphical understanding of the behavior of a rational function near a vertical asymptote, in terms of the expression defining the function.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
The purpose of this task is to give students practice constructing functions that represent a quantity of interest in a context, and then interpreting features of the function in the light of the context. It can be used as either an assessment or a teaching task.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
This task asks students to determine whether a the set of given functions is odd, even, or neither.
Type: Problem-Solving Task
Student Center Activity
This video will demonstrate how to multiply polynomials.
Type: Student Center Activity
Tutorials
In this tutorial, students will use a scale factor to dilate one line onto another.
Type: Tutorial
This video demonstrates how to multiply complex numbers using distributive property and FOIL method.
Type: Tutorial
You will learn in this video how to solve Quadratic Equations using the Quadratic Formula.
Type: Tutorial
You will learn how the parent function for a quadratic function is affected when f(x) = x2.
Type: Tutorial
You will learn int his video how to solve the Quadratic Equation by Completing the Square.
Type: Tutorial
This video will demonstrate how to subtract complex numbers.
Type: Tutorial
This video tutorial shows students: the standard form of a polynomial, how to identify polynomials, how to determine the degree of a polynomial, how to add and subtract polynomials, and how to represent the area of a shape as an addition or subtraction of polynomials.
Type: Tutorial
In this video tutorial students will learn how to solve quadratic equations by square roots.
Type: Tutorial
This video gives an introduction to 'i' and imaginary numbers. From this tutorial, students will learn the rules of imaginary numbers.
Type: Tutorial
This video demonstrates solving a word problem by creating a system of linear equations that represents the situation and solving them using elimination.
Type: Tutorial
This video explains how to subtract polynomials with multiple variables and reinforces how to distribute a negative number.
Type: Tutorial
This video covers squaring a binomial with two variables. Students will be given the area of a square.
Type: Tutorial
This video provides a real-world scenario and step-by-step instructions to constructing equations using two variables. Possible follow-up videos include Plotting System of Equations - Yoga Plan, Solving System of Equations with Substitution - Yoga Plan, and Solving System of Equations with Elimination - Yoga Plan.
Type: Tutorial
This tutorial will help the students to identify the vertex of a parabola from the equation, and then graph the parabola.
Type: Tutorial
This tutorial helps the learners to graph the equation of a quadratic function using the coordinates of the vertex of a parabola and its x- intercepts.
Type: Tutorial
Evaluating Expressions with Two Variables
Type: Tutorial
This tutorial will help you to learn about exponential functions by graphing various equations representing exponential growth and decay.
Type: Tutorial
Learn how to evaluate an expression with variables using a technique called substitution (or "plugging in").
Type: Tutorial
Our focus here is understanding that a variable is just a letter or symbol (usually a lower case letter) that can represent different values in an expression. We got this. Just watch.
Type: Tutorial
This tutorial demonstrates how to use the power of a power property with both numerals and variables.
Type: Tutorial
This lecture shows how algebra is used to solve problems involving mixtures of solutions of different concentrations.
Type: Tutorial
The video tutorial discusses about two typical polynomial multiplications. First, squaring a binomial and second, product of a sum and difference.
Type: Tutorial
Binomials are the polynomials with two terms. This tutorial will help the students learn about the multiplication of binomials. In multiplication, we need to make sure that each term in the first set of parenthesis multiplies each term in the second set.
Type: Tutorial
This resource explores the electromagnetic spectrum and waves by allowing the learner to observe the refraction of light as it passes from one medium to another, study the relation between refraction of light and the refractive index of the medium, select from a list of materials with different refractive indicecs, and change the light beam from white to monochromatic and observe the difference.
Type: Tutorial
- Observe how the eye's muscles change the shape of the lens in accordance with the distance to the object being viewed
- Indicate the parts of the eye that are responsible for vision
- View how images are formed in the eye
Type: Tutorial
- Learn how a concave spherical mirror generates an image
- Observe how the size and position of the image changes with the object distance from the mirror
- Learn the difference between a real image and a virtual image
- Learn some applications of concave mirrors
Type: Tutorial
- Learn how a convex mirror forms the image of an object
- Understand why convex mirrors form small virtual images
- Observe the change in size and position of the image with the change in object's distance from the mirror
- Learn some practical applications of convex mirrors
Type: Tutorial
- Observe the change of color of a black body radiator upon changes in temperature
- Understand that at 0 Kelvin or Absolute Zero there is no molecular motion
Type: Tutorial
This resource explains how a solar cell converts light energy into electrical energy. The user will also learn about the different components of the solar cell and observe the relationship between photon intensity and the amount of electrical energy produced.
Type: Tutorial
- Observe that light is composed of oscillating electric and magnetic waves
- Explore the propagation of an electromagnetic wave through its electric and magnetic field vectors
- Observe the difference in propagation of light of different wavelengths
Type: Tutorial
- Explore the relationship between wavelength, frequency, amplitude and energy of an electromagnetic wave
- Compare the characteristics of waves of different wavelengths
Type: Tutorial
- Learn to trace the path of propagating light waves using geometrical optics
- Observe the effect of changing parameters such as focal length, object dimensions and position on image properties
- Learn the equations used in determining the size and locations of images formed by thin lenses
Type: Tutorial
Video/Audio/Animations
With an often unexpected outcome from a simple experiment, students can discover the factors that cause and influence thermohaline circulation in our oceans. In two 45-minute class periods, students complete activities where they observe the melting of ice cubes in saltwater and freshwater, using basic materials: clear plastic cups, ice cubes, water, salt, food coloring, and thermometers. There are no prerequisites for this lesson but it is helpful if students are familiar with the concepts of density and buoyancy as well as the salinity of seawater. It is also helpful if students understand that dissolving salt in water will lower the freezing point of water. There are additional follow up investigations that help students appreciate and understand the importance of the ocean's influence on Earth's climate.
Type: Video/Audio/Animation
This video demonstrates how to determine if a relation is a function and how to identify the domain.
Type: Video/Audio/Animation
Exponents are not only integers. They can also be fractions. Using the rules of exponents, we can see why a number raised to the power " one over n" is equivalent to the nth root of that number.
Type: Video/Audio/Animation
Exponents are not only integers and unit fractions. An exponent can be any rational number expressed as the quotient of two integers.
Type: Video/Audio/Animation
Radical expressions can often be simplified by moving factors which are perfect roots out from under the radical sign.
Type: Video/Audio/Animation
Mixture problems can involve mixtures of things other than liquids. This video shows how Algebra can be used to solve problems involving mixtures of different types of items.
Type: Video/Audio/Animation
When should a system of equations with multiple variables be used to solve an Algebra problem, instead of using a single equation with a single variable?
Type: Video/Audio/Animation
The points of intersection of two graphs represent common solutions to both equations. Finding these intersection points is an important tool in analyzing physical and mathematical systems.
Type: Video/Audio/Animation
The point-slope form of the equation for a line can describe any non-vertical line in the Cartesian plane, given the slope and the coordinates of a single point which lies on the line.
Type: Video/Audio/Animation
The two point form of the equation for a line can describe any non-vertical line in the Cartesian plane, given the coordinates of two points which lie on the line.
Type: Video/Audio/Animation
Literal equations are formulas for calculating the value of one unknown quantity from one or more known quantities. Variables in the formula are replaced by the actual or 'literal' values corresponding to a specific instance of the relationship.
Type: Video/Audio/Animation
This video takes a look at rearranging a formula to highlight a quantity of interest.
Type: Video/Audio/Animation
This learning video introduces students to the world of Fractal Geometry through the use of difference equations. As a prerequisite to this lesson, students would need two years of high school algebra (comfort with single variable equations) and motivation to learn basic complex arithmetic. Ms. Zager has included a complete introductory tutorial on complex arithmetic with homework assignments downloadable here. Also downloadable are some supplemental challenge problems. Time required to complete the core lesson is approximately one hour, and materials needed include a blackboard/whiteboard as well as space for students to work in small groups. During the in-class portions of this interactive lesson, students will brainstorm on the outcome of the chaos game and practice calculating trajectories of difference equations.
Type: Video/Audio/Animation
Khan Academy video tutorial on graphing linear equations: "Algebra: Graphing Lines 1"
Type: Video/Audio/Animation
This Khan Academy video tutorial introduces averages and algebra problems involving averages.
Type: Video/Audio/Animation
Virtual Manipulatives
This resource will assess students' understanding of addition and subtraction of polynomials.
Type: Virtual Manipulative
This resource can be used to assess students' understanding of solving quadratic equation by taking the square root. A great resource to view prior to this is "Solving quadratic equations by square root' by Khan Academy.
Type: Virtual Manipulative
In this activity, students adjust slider bars which adjust the coefficients and constants of a linear function and examine how their changes affect the graph. The equation of the line can be in slope-intercept form or standard form. This activity allows students to explore linear equations, slopes, and y-intercepts and their visual representation on a graph. This activity includes supplemental materials, including background information about the topics covered, a description of how to use the application, and exploration questions for use with the java applet.
Type: Virtual Manipulative
This resource provides linear functions in standard form and asks the user to graph it using intercepts on an interactive graph below the problem. Immediate feedback is provided, and for incorrect responses, each step of the solution is thoroughly modeled.
Type: Virtual Manipulative
Allows students access to a Cartesian Coordinate System where linear equations can be graphed and details of the line and the slope can be observed.
Type: Virtual Manipulative
Using this virtual manipulative, students are able to graph a function and a set of ordered pairs on the same coordinate plane. The constants, coefficients, and exponents can be adjusted using slider bars, so the student can explore the affect on the graph as the function parameters are changed. Students can also examine the deviation of the data from the function. This activity includes supplemental materials, including background information about the topics covered, a description of how to use the application, and exploration questions for use with the java applet.
Type: Virtual Manipulative
This is a graphing tool/activity for students to deepen their understanding of polynomial functions and their corresponding graphs. This tool is to be used in conjunction with a full lesson on graphing polynomial functions; it can be used either before an in depth lesson to prompt students to make inferences and connections between the coefficients in polynomial functions and their corresponding graphs, or as a practice tool after a lesson in graphing the polynomial functions.
Type: Virtual Manipulative
In this online tool, students input a function to create a graph where the constants, coefficients, and exponents can be adjusted by slider bars. This tool allows students to explore graphs of functions and how adjusting the numbers in the function affect the graph. Using tabs at the top of the page you can also access supplemental materials, including background information about the topics covered, a description of how to use the application, and exploration questions for use with the java applet.
Type: Virtual Manipulative
With a mouse, students will drag data points (with their error bars) and watch the best-fit polynomial curve form instantly. Students can choose the type of fit: linear, quadratic, cubic, or quartic. Best fit or adjustable fit can be displayed.
Type: Virtual Manipulative
This interactive simulation investigates graphing linear and quadratic equations. Users are given the ability to define and change the coefficients and constants in order to observe resulting changes in the graph(s).
Type: Virtual Manipulative